Thoughts about Self, Tribe, Humanity, and the Universe, created and curated by Rabbi Larry Bach

About Me

Since July, 2015, I have served as the Rabbi of Judea Reform Congregation in Durham, North Carolina. Prior to that, I served Temple Mount Sinai of El Paso, Texas since my ordination, in 1998, by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies from the University at Albany, and a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters, from HUC-JIR. My rabbinical thesis is an annotated translation of Rabbi Judah Leib Maimon’s Hiddush HaSanhedrin (“Renewing the Sanhedrin in our Renewed State”). I am married and am the father of three children.

My passion is interfaith understanding and social justice. In El Paso, I was among the founders of Border Interfaith, a broad-based community organization affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation; in North Carolina, I am continuing that work with sister organization Durham CAN. I’ve served on the boards of jobs programs and immigrant legal aid programs.

Israel holds an important place in my consciousness. I believe in a Jewish state where democracy thrives and justice is available for all people, and am a proud supporter of Rabbis for Human Rights and the New Israel Fund.

I am also also committed to scholarship and the inner life. I am an alumnus of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Rabbinical Leadership Program, where I developed a passion for the study of Hasidic Torah commentary, and deepened my prayer life and meditation practice. In 2012-13, I studied in the IJS’s “Jewish Mindfulness Teacher Training Program.” I am a participant in the “Manchim” training program of The Mussar Institute, and believe in the efficacy of Mussar to shape our lives. In 2010-11, I was a member of the second cohort of “Rabbis Without Borders”an interdenominational project of the National Center for Learning and Leadership. I am also an alumnus of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Rabbinic Torah Study Seminar.

I have recorded two albums, Kivvunim (2008) and Openings (2013). Music is central to my rabbinate, and to my life.

I met you briefly last month while in El Paso visiting my nephew. I’ve read many of your 2006-2007 posts this afternoon and appreciate your insights and wisdom. I wish you were still posting as frequently as you did then!

I just read that you are coming to be our new Rabbi at Judea Reform Congregation.
Welcome. We have an active Torah/Talmud Study Group that I hope you will continue.
I have actively participated for more than 20 years. I enjoyed reading your writings.
Here are some of mine at a website that my brother set up.